BROWNSVILLE – Investigators with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) are looking into the circumstances of an April 18 semi-truck crash in Brownsville that left one person dead. The accident happened about 7:02 p.m. in the northbound lanes of Toll Road 550 in Brownsville.

Early indications are that the 18-wheeler was carrying “hazardous-flammable material,” and was being driven “at an unsafe speed,” according to an initial DPS news release on the crash.

The driver, who was not immediately identified, apparently lost control of the vehicle, but it’s not known if speed was the only contributing factor. According to the news release, the big rig struck a concrete barrier, rolled on its side, and burst into flames.

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigation strategies in commercial truck accident cases

Trucking companies like nothing more than dealing with an unrepresented party after one of its drivers causes or is involved in a crash. The evidence needed to prove a claim is nearly impossible for a layperson to find and interpret. This is why it is essential that victims and their families work with an experienced attorney following a truck crash.

Here are just a few of the strategies an expert lawyer can use to investigate a truck accident case:

• Drug and alcohol testing – Under federal law, trucking companies are required to drug and alcohol test their drivers shortly after a wreck. An attorney can access the results of this test, which can help show that the trucker was intoxicated when he crashed.
• Maintenance records – A number of factors can contribute to a crash, and only one thing has to go wrong mechanically for a truck to wind up in an accident. A lawyer can look into maintenance records, which can help determine whether negligent maintenance contributed to the crash. An examination of the truck itself may also reveal mechanical issues that should have been corrected.
• Hours of service – Federal regulations dictate how long a driver can continue driving without a break, and how long these breaks must be. If an attorney finds a violation, it can be argued that the driver was fatigued and should not have been on the road.
• Crash site evidence – Some of the most important evidence lies in the scene of the accident. The scene tells a story, and a skilled attorney will be able to interpret the evidence.

Contact the J Gonzalez Law Firm

Without a thorough investigation, it is nearly impossible to prove the cause of an accident. It is the J. Gonzalez Law Firm’s top priority to investigate your case promptly and completely.

If you or a loved has been injured or killed in a trucking accident, J. Gonzalez personal injury attorneys are ready to help you recover full compensation on your behalf. Our experienced Van Horn Texas car accident lawyers will begin our investigation as soon as we hear from you. Call us with no obligation at 1-800-CAR-CRASH for a free consultation.

Source: https://myrgv.com/local-news/2023/04/18/fiery-trailer-crash-that-claimed-one-life-in-brownsville-under-probe/

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that happened April 8 in Sullivan City at approximately 10 p.m. A DPS news release indicates the crash happened on El Pinto Road south of La Pinta Street.

The preliminary investigation indicates a blue and red Polaris RZR was traveling north on El Pinto Road while a red Honda CRF motorcycle was traveling north behind it.

The motorcyclist, 22-year-old Sullivan City resident Rodrigo Hernandez, failed to control his speed and rear-ended the Polaris, according to the DPS report.

Hernandez was ejected, hit the rear of the Polaris, and died at the scene. DPS continued to investigate the crash as of this writing.

Numerous studies have shown that motorcyclists are up five times more likely than occupants of a car or truck to be injured in an accident. Crashes involving motorcycles often cause severe injuries, including:

• traumatic brain injuries
• neurological injuries
• neck injuries
• spinal injuries

All these types of injuries have lasting effects.

An injured rider may be unable to return to work and need assistance with daily tasks. Some riders may lose a limb or be paralyzed.

If you or your loved one has been involved in a motorcycle accident and seriously injured, you will need all the resources available. When the J. Gonzalez Law Firm handles cases on behalf of seriously injured motorcyclists, we analyze the accident to identify all the potentially responsible parties and their insurance companies.

Our personal injury experts also work with life planners to develop estimates of your future treatment needs and living expenses related to the injury. It is important to take into account future medical costs and loss of income in addition to your current medical bills when preparing a claim for compensation.

The J. Gonzalez Law Firm will negotiate aggressively on behalf of our clients for a settlement that reflects the severity of the motorcyclist’s injuries. A settlement is the quickest way to get the money that you need to regain control of your life.

Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation at 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://myrgv.com/local-news/2023/04/09/sullivan-city-motorcyclist-dies-in-crash/?fbclid=IwAR2ITKaHQyWxeKl2hTxWI4l-9s1VucCHtH17dExYE9jEbMGhNnqfFlIXr3w 

CAMERON COUNTY – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reports a motorist was killed and his passenger was injured when their truck collided with an 18-wheeler. The crash occurred in the early morning hours of April 6 near the small community of Santa Maria, according to a DPS news release.

The release states that 44-year-old Pedro Omar Gutierrez was driving west on Military Highway 281 in a Ford F-150 pickup truck when it collided with an 18-wheeler that had merged into the road at the intersection of La Avenida Iglesia. Gutierrez died at the scene. An unidentified passenger in the truck was last reported to be hospitalized with “major injuries.”

According to the preliminary DPS report, the driver of the Kenworth tractor trailer “failed to yield right of way” at the intersection. The commercial truck driver was not identified in the DPS report.

No charges had been filed as of this writing, but DPS investigation was continuing.

Differences between 18-wheeler accidents and car accidents

An 18-wheeler accident isn’t like a typical crash involving two private passenger cars. Here’s a brief view of some of the key differences between these two types of accidents.

Potential for severe damages and injuries

Passenger car accidents can certainly result in major vehicle damage, severe injury, and even death, but the sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers makes their likelihood much greater. The greater the damages, and the more-severe the injuries make it more difficult to determine the long-term impact on a victim’s life.

Insurance coverage

Because of this greater potential for adverse consequences, trucking companies and truck owner-operators typically carry more insurance coverage than the average motorist. If you have a good lawyer working for you, it’s possible that you’ll be able to recover the full extent of damages you’ve suffered in a truck accident.

Determining fault

An accident involving two passenger vehicles usually means there are only two potentially at-fault parties – each of the drivers involved. In a commercial trucking accident, however, there could be multiple parties who contributed to the crash. Examples include the driver, the trucking company, the shipper, the cargo loader, the truck and trailer manufacturers, and any number of parts manufacturers.

J Gonzalez truck accident experts

If you are in a commercial truck accident, you should reach out to a knowledgeable truck accident attorney, and nobody has more experience or expertise in trucking accidents than the J. Gonzalez Law Firm. The J. Gonzalez Law Firm has helped countless Texas truck accident victims get the compensation they need and deserve, and they can do the same for you. Schedule your free consultation right now by calling 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/dps-harlingen-man-killed-in-crash-involving-18-wheeler 

A 50-year-old man died of injuries he sustained in an April 3 crash near Donna. This, according to a news release from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).

The crash happened around 12:23 a.m. when a 2004 Buick Regal was travelling south on Dillon Road when it veered into the northbound lanes south of Alberta Road and collided with a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado. According to the DPS news release, the Buick veered into the wrong lane “for unknown reasons.”

The driver of the Buick, Agustin Arcos Garcia, was transported to DHR Health, where he died as a result of his injuries. There is no indication the other driver was injured.

The crash remained under investigation as of this publication.

Texas wrong way car accidents

Few things are scarier than seeing another car veering into your lane and coming straight for your vehicle at full speed. These types of collisions have a number of potential causes, but the at-fault parties must be held accountable when they take place, especially when negligence was involved.

Most often, distracted driving in some form is what results in these collisions. For example, drowsy or fatigued drivers could drift across the center line. Drivers who operate their vehicles under the influence of alcohol or drugs can also swerve into the opposite lane and into oncoming traffic.

Aggressive driving can also result in these crashes when drivers recklessly attempt to pass cars ahead of them when there isn’t enough room to do so, or when road conditions make it hard to see. Sometimes, a simple thing like being distracted by a phone can cause the driver to take their attention off the road.

Do you need a Texas personal injury lawyer?

When negligent drivers cause wrong-way car accidents, they are guilty of causing the other party’s injuries, and violating established Texas law. Our job at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm is to prove the elements of your claim of negligence per se against the at-fault party so that you can recover damages from your injuries or other property damage from the accident.

Our experienced team of lawyers has worked on all kinds of personal injury cases involving car accidents and we regularly help our clients obtain the compensation they deserve following a major collision. To schedule a free consultation today, contact us at 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/dps-mcallen-man-killed-in-crash-near-donna?fbclid=IwAR3rHkIgLOV_J1Jztrylew9I-NL_QQO_eOWkPg2gkpj9BCK-fyjxZkaApAA 

DALLAS — Federal officials say the company responsible for maintaining a Texas interstate where a massive chain-reaction pileup killed six people in 2021, failed to address the icy road conditions. The statement was released March 23, 2023 following a two-year NTSB investigation into the crash.

According to the report, the portion of Interstate 35 West in Fort Worth where the occurred was not treated with salt the morning of the Feb. 11, 2021 crash. The NTSB said that the failure of North Tarrant Express Mobility Partners Segment 3 to address the conditions contributed to the crash, as did drivers’ speeds.

The pileup involved a total of 130 vehicles, killed six people, and injured dozens more.

The NTSB said that the crash began when a vehicle struck the concrete barrier on the right side of the toll lanes. Other vehicles then began sliding, spinning and striking the barriers. Then a large truck crashed into some of those vehicles, and other vehicles that were unable to stop also became part of the massive crash that blocked all of the southbound toll lanes.

A spokesman for North Tarrant Express Mobility Partners Segment 3 did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Associated Press. The Texas Department of Transportation also did not immediately respond to the news agency’s request for comment.

When motor vehicle accidents are the result of the negligence of a private company or state agency to maintain a roadway, victims can often recover compensation for the injuries they have sustained.

Examples of poorly-maintained roads can include potholes, overgrown trees or plants, lack of visible signage, flooding due to poor drainage, debris or other obstructions, malfunctioning traffic signals, and burned-out street lights. There are many others as well.

Whether or not these hazards were caused by negligence is a fact-specific issue. Therefore, you should never assume that an accident is, or is not, legally actionable without first talking to an attorney.

You should also never assume that an accident was your fault. Every accident should be fully investigated, and you should never accept any settlement offer without first getting legal advice from your own qualified attorney.

At the J. Gonzalez Law Firm, that’s what we’re here for. We will take the time to listen to your side of the story, and if the situation merits, we will make sure your crash is fully investigated, keeping your rights and interests as the number one priority. Call us today for a no-risk consultation at 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/ntsb-crews-failed-to-de-ice-road-before-massive-texas-crash

The Edinburg Police Department reports that one of its patrol cars was sideswiped by a suspected drunken driver. The incident happened March 17 at 4:00 a.m.  in a Ford Escape who veered into the officer’s lane.

According to police, the incident occurred Friday around 4 a.m., but the location was not immediately clear. A news release states that an Edinburg police officer was on routine patrol when the driver of a Ford Escape veered into the officer’s lane and sideswiped his police cruiser near the right, rear bumper.

Neither the officer nor the other driver were hurt in the impact. The 51-year-old female driver (whose name was not released) reportedly provided a breath sample that showed she had a blood/alcohol content which was twice the legal limit.

“This is a vivid reminder to make a plan, and designate a sober driver, or use a ride-sharing service,” Edinburg Police Chief Jaime Ayala said in a news release. “We sign up for a dangerous job and we know the risks associated with that, but drinking and driving has serious consequences and lives cannot be replaced.”

Don’t drink and drive

The J. Gonzalez Law Firm would like to remind everyone not to drive a vehicle after drinking alcohol. This should go without saying, but in Texas, one person dies about every eight hours in a DUI-alcohol related traffic incident.

This is an important issue to keep in mind, especially now that we’re in the middle of Spring Break season, and a lot of college students are taking to the road.

The Texas Department of Transportation’s Drive Sober, No Regrets campaign is working with students around Texas to highlight the dangers of impaired driving by sharing real stories from people who have experienced the consequences of drunk driving firsthand.

In 2021, 2,565 people were seriously injured in drunk driving incidents and another 1,134 were killed in Texas.

During Spring Break 2021, Texas recorded 874 DUI-alcohol related vehicle crashes that resulted in 31 deaths and 107 serious injuries.

“Every drunk-driving accident is 100% preventable,” Chief Ayala said in relation to the above news story. The J. Gonzalez Law Firm couldn’t agree more. Designating a sober driver, calling a taxi, using a rideshare service, or calling a friend or family member are ways one could avoid driving while impaired.

If you are injured by a drunken driver

If you are hurt in a traffic accident because of a drunken driver, call the J. Gonzalez Law Firm. Our personal injury experts will get you the compensation you deserve and which you’ll need to get your life back on track. The call is free and so is the consultation: 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://myrgv.com/local-news/2023/03/15/edinburg-police-unit-nearly-hit-by-drunk-driver/

BROWNSVILLE — Brownsville police responded to a February 21 rollover crash involving one vehicle. According to Brownsville police, the crash which occurred in the southbound lanes of US 77 resulted in “no major injuries.” The mishap did, however, did lead to traffic delays as first responders worked to remove the vehicle and debris from the highway.

The driver of the vehicle was not immediately identified, and the cause of the accident had not been determined as of this writing. Likewise, there has been no indication that any citations will be issued as a result of the crash.

Preventing rollover accidents

Modern vehicles are designed to make it more difficult to rollover during a crash. However, a vehicle can still tumble if it is struck by another car or object in just the right manner. Nothing can prevent that.

Still, there are some things you can do to lessen the chances of a vehicle rollover. The J. Gonzalez Law Firm offers the following tips to mitigate the likelihood of a rollover accident:

Check your tires often. Tire maintenance helps prevent rollover crashes, because improperly inflated and/or worn tires reduce your ability to keep control of the vehicle.

Don’t overload your vehicle. Vehicle stability decreases as the weight of a vehicle increases. This is especially true with high-profile vehicles such as SUVs and pickup trucks. Stay within the manufacturer’s load ratings, and place the heaviest cargo as low to the floor and close to the center as possible.

Slow down. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, 40 percent of fatal rollover accidents involve excessive speeding. Staying within posted speed limits, and reducing speed even further when road conditions are bad will greatly lower the chances of a vehicle rollover.

You should also remember to:

• avoid distractions
• take corners carefully, and
• don’t drink and drive.

Call J. Gonzalez

If a negligent driver hits your vehicle causing it to rollover through no fault of your own, the J. Gonzalez Law Firm would like to hear from you.

The experienced personal injury attorneys at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm serve clients throughout Texas, including the Rio Grande Valley, Alice, Laredo, San Antonio, and beyond. They can get you the compensation you deserve. Call today at 1-800-CAR-CRASH to find out how we can help.

Source: https://www.valleycentral.com/news/local-news/rollover-crash-in-brownsville-traffic-delays-in-area/?utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=facebook.com&fbclid=IwAR1V6Kgs1FjR1OqmDrI7npl1cCwKiJBQUZNsNzJ5YKxRyXnUFHBqJck-sG8

McALLEN — McAllen police are investigating a February 21 two-vehicle accident.

The collision happened about 10:30 a.m. in the 1600 block of the I-69 westbound frontage road.

Only one minor injury was reported.

Why you should still see a doctor after a minor auto accident

You should still see a doctor after a minor wreck, because injuries can still occur in low-speed car accidents that cause little to no damage to the car. Often those injuries can go undetected because the pain and other symptoms don’t present themselves until later.

In some cases, the side effects from an injury may not surface until years later. In other cases, a minor injury can become a major injury if not immediately treated. In either case, it might be too late to recover compensation for the injury because too much time has elapsed.

Protect yourself and your rights

The J. Gonzalez Law Firm always recommends getting checked by a physician or chiropractor after a wreck no matter how minor you think the crash was. If nothing else, you’ll have the peace of mind that comes with the certainty that you do not have any underlying injuries. In the long run, you’ll also have documentation in case hidden damage presents itself at a later date.

Contact the J. Gonzalez Law Firm today if you’ve been injured in a crash that resulted from someone else’s negligence. The consultation is free. Call us today at 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://www.valleycentral.com/news/local-news/crash-in-mcallen-under-investigation-one-hospitalized/?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_medium=referral&fbclid=IwAR0H-sX_hPIgoS1xZCDXBlqYjadZTVrizmwjnFDdXdhC9xbpdekysNUND9k

MERCEDES – An unidentified woman is in critical condition following a February 20 crash involving a Mercedes school bus, according to the Mercedes Police Department. The crash happened at approximately 8:25 a.m. in the 2400 block of North FM 491 Road.

According to police, the school bus was at a stop sign, signaling to turn into the bus entrance at Sgt. William G. Harrell Middle School, when it was rear ended by a black Chevrolet Cruze.

The vehicle, driven by an unidentified 45-year-old woman, became lodged halfway under the rear of the bus. It is still unknown what caused the driver to rear-end the bus, according to the news release.

Occupants on the bus, which included one student, did not sustain any injuries, according to the police department’s news release.

Car accidents can happen very quickly, and even if a driver is taking measures to protect their own safety, the negligence of others can result in serious injury or wrongful deaths.

Rear-end collisions may seem less dangerous than other types of accidents, but they can be just as deadly. In 2016, there were 2, 350 reported fatalities in rear-end collisions. A variety of reckless driving habits and other factors can play a role in causing a rear-end car accident. The most-common reasons include:

• Tailgating: One driver may follow another car too closely. This greatly decreases a person’s reaction time, and they may not be able to avoid a collision if the car they are following slows down or stops suddenly.
• Distracted driving: Anything that interrupts a driver’s focus on the road can cause them to be unable to stop in time to avoid rear-ending another vehicle. The most common form of distractions include cell phone usage, adjusting the radio, or eating or drinking.
• Not obeying traffic laws: Speeding is a common issue linked to rear-end collisions. If a motorist is driving above the speed limit, they might not be able to stop their car in time to avoid striking another vehicle.
• Poor weather conditions: If there is a considerable amount of rain or snow falling, or if there is snow or ice on the pavement, these poor conditions could hinder a driver from stopping on time. A motorist may lose control of a sliding vehicle, causing it to barrel into another car at a high speed.
• Car Defects: The most common type of car maintenance issue that can result in a rear-end collision is an issue with a car’s brakes. A faulty braking system could make it impossible for a driver to slow down and stop in time.
• Driver error: In some cases, a driver may simply make mistakes that would cause them to strike another vehicle from behind. For example, the sight of an unrelated car accident may cause a person to panic and lose control of their vehicle. Likewise, a motorist’s foot could slip, resulting in pressing the gas pedal instead of the brakes.

Contact the J. Gonzalez Law Firm

If you or a loved one is hurt in a rear-end traffic accident and you believe the other driver was at fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. The consultation is free, and you only pay if we win your case. Call us today at 1-800-CAR CRASH.

Source: https://www.krgv.com/news/woman-in-critical-condition-following-crash-with-mercedes-isd-school-bus

An Edinburg man is facing criminal charges that his vehicle collided with a police unit while he was driving under the influence of alcohol.

According to a news release, the crash happened February 5 at approximately 5:00 a.m. in the 6000 block of the I-69C freeway.

The release states that Edinburg police were at the location investigating a previous accident when a truck collided with a police unit that was parked on the inside lane of the highway. The truck was being driven by 52-year-old Edinburg resident Raul Alberto Rodriguez, who allegedly admitted to having been drinking, according to the release. Police say he also failed a field sobriety test.

Rodriguez was not seriously injured in the crash, and there were no officers inside the police car when it was struck. Rodriguez is charged with driving while intoxicated, and according to the release, records indicate he has a previous conviction for the same charge.

Who pays in a Texas drunk driving settlement?

Texas is an at-fault state. What that means is the driver who is at fault is liable for damages resulting from an accident. Since a drunken driver is per se at fault, it means that the drunken driver’s insurance carrier would have to pay for your damages.

Texas requires all drivers to carry liability insurance, including a minimum of $25,000 for property damage and $30,000 for personal injury (per person).

If a driver doesn’t have that insurance and injures you in a drunken driving accident, you can sue the uninsured driver personally. However, chances are you won’t be able to collect much from an uninsured driver.

Dram Shop law

The Texas Dram Shop law says alcohol providers can be held liable for damages caused by an intoxicated patron. It applies to establishments, individual bartenders, and anyone who is licensed or permitted to serve alcohol or sells alcohol.

The dram shop law says alcohol providers can be held liable for damages caused by the intoxicated patron only if:

• it was apparent to the provider that the patron was “obviously intoxicated to the extent that he presented a clear danger to himself and others,” and
• the intoxication of the patron was a proximate cause of the damages suffered.

Texas does not require bars that serve alcohol to carry insurance, but Texas law enables a victim to sue a bar that served alcohol to someone who clearly should not have been served.

Call the J. Gonzalez Law Firm

Every case is unique, so the best thing you can do is to have an experienced personal injury lawyer give your case the attention it deserves. Contact the drunken driving accident experts at the J. Gonzalez Law Firm today at 1-800-CAR-CRASH.

Source: https://myrgv.com/local-news/2023/02/05/alleged-drunk-driver-hits-edinburg-police-unit-at-accident-scene-on-highway/?fbclid=IwAR3rrZOrFjsTWckriID2SzYZ8YkouMRqG_JWsgN6gP_E0ebTwFROlviGVtw